The International Bar Association (IBA) condemns the imposition of additional sanctions against International Criminal Court (ICC or ‘the Court’) judges by the United States administration as an attack against the global rule of law and the independence of judges, and calls on all ICC States Parties to take actions to protect the Court.

IBA President Jaime Carey affirmed: ‘Since its founding in 1947, the IBA has endeavoured to protect and advance the rule of law globally. The IBA recognises that respect for the independence of international courts and of judges and lawyers is a fundamental principle of the rule of law.’

On 5 June 2025, the US imposed sanctions against four ICC judges: Second Vice-President Judge Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou, Judge Beti Hohler, Judge Solomy Balungi Bossa and Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza. As a result of the sanctions, US assets of the designated persons will be blocked and they will be banned from entering the country.

IBA Executive Director Dr Mark Ellis commented: ‘The ongoing attacks by the US administration against the International Criminal Court are a deeply troubling and unacceptable effort to obstruct the Court’s mandate and undermine the pursuit of justice for victims of the most serious international crimes. ICC States Parties must respond with clarity and resolve to defend the integrity and independence of the Court.’

Judge Alapini Gansou and Judge Beti Hohler approved the issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024. Judge Balungi Bossa and Judge Ibáñez Carranza authorised the opening of an ICC investigation in Afghanistan in March 2020.

The additional sanctions were deployed pursuant to Executive Order 14203 issued by US President Donald Trump on 6 February 2025 and imposing sanctions on the ICC Prosecutor. The IBA denounced US sanctions against the ICC and called on all states to respect the judicial independence of the Court.

The IBA urges everyone to honour the independence and impartiality of the ICC so that judges can carry out their work without fear of retribution.

ENDS

Contact: IBApressoffice@int-bar.org

Notes

1. The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. As a court of last resort, it seeks to complement, not replace, national Courts. Governed by an international treaty called the Rome Statute.

2. The Rome Statute is the treaty that established the ICC. It Statute sets out the Court's jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and – as of an amendment in 2010 – the crime of aggression.

3. Related material:

   • IBA welcomes removal of sanctions on ICC Prosecutor and senior official
   • IBA calls on states to push back against US sanctions on ICC Prosecutor and official
   • IBA condemns US President’s Executive Order authorising sanctions against International Criminal Court personnel
   • IBA short videos: Look after the Rule of Law, and it will look after you

4. The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession, is the foremost organisation for international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Established in 1947, shortly after the creation of the United Nations, it was born out of the conviction that an organisation made up of the world's bar associations could contribute to global stability and peace through the administration of justice.

   The IBA acts as a connector, enabler, and influencer, for the administration of justice, fair practice, and accountability worldwide. The IBA has collaborated on a broad range of ground-breaking, international projects with the United Nations, the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, The Commonwealth, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, among others.

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